Jim Madden to run for Labor in Ipswich West

LOWOOD-based lawyer and councillor for Somerset Regional Council Jim Madden says he is ready to contest next year's state election.

Cr Madden was chosen last week in a ballot of members to be the Labor candidate for Ipswich West, a seat won by the LNP's Sean Choat in 2012.

Cr Madden said he would continue as a councillor up until the election is called.

"I will then take leave to contest the election, and if successful, I will step down - if not, I will continue as a councillor for the full term," Mr Madden said.

Mr Madden is the fifth generation to live in the Ipswich West region since his family came to Australia from Ireland in 1863. He was educated locally and still lives locally.

He said he was running for state parliament because he was disappointed in the Newman Government's cuts to the public service and also because of that government's disregard of legal and judicial principles.

"They sacked the all-party crime and misconduct commission, they are not using the committee system properly and they have reduced their hours," he said.

"It shows an arrogant government that reminds me of Joh Bjelke-Petersen."

Mr Madden said he wanted to improve infrastructure and services in the region.

"This is a growing area and we need better services, but we cannot ignore economic development as well," he said.

"What projects there are, like the Blacksoil overpass and the Ipswich Icon building, were done by Labor."

Mr Madden said his work as a lawyer and a councillor has helped him see how people are doing it tough.

He also said Labor were ready to return to office.

"We've got a brand new team with a brand new leader and we have a whole new style of candidates," he said.